Against the odds hatching thread (with pictures and questions)

[adirondak5]

Got myself another piece of chicken tech - a remote temperature sensor:
View attachment 2177693
I noticed on the chicken cam that they were panting at night, and wanted to know exactly how hot it gets in there. Both windows are open all the way and the vents are huge, but still. It’s about 6 degrees warmer than outside, but not too bad yet. Our central air in the house broke, so right now the chickens have it nicer than us, as you can see on the display (Left number is inside the house, right number is inside the coop).

I have one chicken that pants a lot though, and was skewing my perception. He’s the biggest and very fluffy. I sat with them inside the coop for a bit yesterday morning and it was very pleasant, low 70’s, but he was panting

Good move . I've had a remote sensor in my coop since day one . Its nice to have all the info you can if there is ever a problem . Coop cam is another plus in my book .

 

[K0k0shka]

Good move . I've had a remote sensor in my coop since day one . Its nice to have all the info you can if there is ever a problem . Coop cam is another plus in my book .

Yep - coop cam, remote temperature sensor and auto door are all worthwhile investments.

 

[K0k0shka]

I found who’s crowing.

Came over for snuggles after screaming. Charming little guy, but his days are numbered
At this point I think I have a pretty good idea of who’s what. 5 girls and 6 boys. Not a bad distribution! I’m still sad that my one and only partridge is looking like a boy though (everybody’s favorite). So that color won’t be represented in the flock. But I have girls from all the other colors.

 

[Eggscaping]

I found who’s crowing.
View attachment 2178655View attachment 2178656
Came over for snuggles after screaming. Charming little guy, but his days are numbered
At this point I think I have a pretty good idea of who’s what. 5 girls and 6 boys. Not a bad distribution! I’m still sad that my one and only partridge is looking like a boy though (everybody’s favorite). So that color won’t be represented in the flock. But I have girls from all the other colors.

Oh and he's so handsome, too! I'm sorry. Three of my first-ever-incubated eggs turned out to be boys and of course they're gorgeous. Sad, yes. But I guess the best we can do is make them happy up until THE DAY and then honor them by using every part of them.

 

[K0k0shka]

Oh and he's so handsome, too! I'm sorry. Three of my first-ever-incubated eggs turned out to be boys and of course they're gorgeous. Sad, yes. But I guess the best we can do is make them happy up until THE DAY and then honor them by using every part of them.

Yes, he will have a good life, a quick end, and will be thoroughly enjoyed after.
Here he is, hanging out with his friends:

 

[K0k0shka]

It’s 72 degrees in there and they’re panting... What are they gonna do when it hits 90? Is panting like that normal? Is it because they’re packed so tight and keeping each other too warm?

 

[aart]

It’s 72 degrees in there and they’re panting... What are they gonna do when it hits 90? Is panting like that normal? Is it because they’re packed so tight and keeping each other too warm?


View attachment 2179373

Never ceases to amaze me how they cram together in hot weather.
You'd think they'd spread out to lift wings for more cooling action.
I sometimes move them when they do this.
Think you've seen my hot weather blurb, so I won't post it again.

 

[K0k0shka]

Think you've seen my hot weather blurb, so I won't post it again.

I don’t think I have...

 

[aart]

I don’t think I have...

This is how I keep them cooler:
Deep all day shade is best but....

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

 

[K0k0shka]

This is how I keep them cooler:
Deep all day shade is best but....

I give a dose of Sav-a-Chick electrolytes/vitamins about once a week during heat waves.
It really seems to help....started this after they saved a heat stroked hen once.
Can mix up a smaller amount, just wrap the packet tight and store in a dry cool place.
Always have plain water available too.

BIG(9x14x2") chunks of ice last all day for wading, sitting, and sipping.
Much more useful to the chickens than frozen foods and treats.

Make space in your freezer!

I do remember seeing this now! Thanks for the reminder. Will keep it in mind as it starts getting hotter.